Week Eighteen

This was the last week of Warrant Officer Basic Course (WOBC) at The Basic School (TBS). Much like when we arrived, it was a short, four-day week and we graduated on Thursday. Look out world! Nearly 300 Warrant Officers are being released into the wild.

Monday was mostly uneventful other than command photos being taken of the entire company. We also went to trivia night one last time and lost. Tuesday was graduation practice at the base theater and the main event: Mess Night. I don’t think I have ever talked about a Mess Night or Warriors Night before. Click HERE to watch a short video from DVIDS about Marines conducting a Mess Night.

Our Mess Night consisted of all the traditional aspects such as having a head table, President of the Mess, Vice President, food and drinks, and funny stories to share. However, our food was the worst Mess Night food ever provided. I felt bad for our Platoon guest, Major Queen, who had to endure a subpar meal. However, everyone in the Company had a good time cutting up, sharing stories, and having one last hurrah before family day and graduation.

Wednesday was a full day with family. It was cool to show them around TBS and some of the good people that work at The Hawk and Bull Dogs (it’s a restaurant). We hung around TBS, they helped me move some stuff, and then we got to go out into town.

Finally, on Thursday, our WOBC class graduated. I am thankful for the people I met here and the folks who have supported me over the years. Several folks outside of my family were able to come to graduation and break bread afterwards. We ate at a Japanese restaurant I frequented while a student at TBS. When it was all said and done, we parted ways and I drove down to Fort Lee, VA (now Fort Gregg-Adams) to get started with my Warrant Officer MOS school.

Many thanks to everyone who kept up with the WOBC journey, prayed with me, and even sent snacks. I really appreciate all of you! This is the end of the WOBC series of blog posts, so now we return to your regular programming. Until next time: Be strong. Love God. Love others.

rejoice.always